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Student Charged for Allegedly ‘Stealing’ 65-Cent Milk He Was Entitled To
In Dumfries, Virginia, a student at Graham Park Middle School, named Alex Morgan, encountered a troublesome situation over a 65-cent carton of milk that was supposed to be available through the free lunch program. Alex, who typically enjoyed this daily treat, accidentally forgot to take it during his initial cafeteria visit. After realizing his mistake, he went back to grab the milk again. According to both Alex and his mother, who later reviewed the surveillance footage, he retrieved the milk and sat down without any issues.
However, things took a turn when the school resource officer (SRO) intervened, accusing Alex of stealing the milk. As reported by The Washington Post, Alex claimed he returned the milk when approached, but the officer insisted he bring it to the principal’s office. The situation escalated when the SRO allegedly grabbed Alex by the neck and subsequently handcuffed him, charging him with disorderly conduct and petty theft. His mother vehemently argued that he did nothing wrong and declined any non-judicial intervention, meaning Alex will now face misdemeanor charges just before his 15th birthday.
The SRO offered a different account, alleging that Alex cut the line and initially admitted to stealing. He claimed that Alex became disorderly when asked to speak with the principal and attempted to push past him. This led to the decision to cuff him.
Interestingly, both Alex and the SRO are of the same racial background, yet his lawyer, Jessica Green, pointed out that the systemic issues at play often lead to discriminatory practices. She emphasized, “It’s not just the individuals involved; the system itself is problematic. School resource officers have the authority to significantly impact a child’s life with their decisions.”
The growing presence of police in schools has raised concerns about excessive force and disciplinary practices that disproportionately affect students of color. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 64% of American public high schools employ some form of security personnel. Critics argue this has resulted in increased criminalization of minor student infractions. In fact, a civil rights complaint was recently filed by black students in Richmond, alleging unfair disciplinary practices targeting them more harshly than their white peers.
The alarming trend of police overreach in schools has been highlighted by several incidents, including a widely publicized case in South Carolina where a student was violently removed from her desk by an SRO. Such occurrences raise questions about the appropriateness of police presence in educational settings, especially without proper training in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
Alex’s lawyer voiced serious concerns regarding the implications of these practices, remarking, “When officers treat kids like criminals, it creates a self-fulfilling prophecy.” Research indicates that having police in schools can lead to increased arrests for minor offenses, reinforcing a cycle that is difficult to break.
It is crucial to foster a safe and supportive environment for all students, rather than one that escalates minor issues into criminal charges. With ongoing discussions about the role of police in schools, it’s essential to consider what is truly beneficial for our children’s education and well-being. For further insights on home insemination options, check out our other blog post here. If you’re looking for fertility resources, this guide is a great place to start, and Cleveland Clinic offers comprehensive information on intrauterine insemination.
Summary
A middle school student in Virginia faced criminal charges for allegedly stealing a carton of milk he was entitled to through a free meal program, raising serious concerns about the role of school resource officers and systemic issues in school discipline, particularly affecting students of color.
